Help with relocation (Chicago, Hinsdale, Winnetka: house, established neighborhood, best schools)

[flyboomer]

I have been following the discussion threads on this board recently, and got a lot of helpful information. Thanks! My family will relocate to the Chicago area this summer, and we are currently looking for a single family house in the range of 50K-65K. Although we don't have any kids now, we still want to live in a neighbourhood with excellent schools, and easy commute to downtown Chicago by Metra. We are interested in NorthWest suburbs and West suburbs. Any recommendations? ( I personally like Hinsdale very much. However, I don't think I can afford any place nice with such a limited budget. Correct me if I am wrong. )

[flyboomer]

Opps...typo. Our budget is 500K-650K.

[chet everett]

Originally Posted by flyboomer

Opps...typo. Our budget is 500K-650K.

Whether you want an older home in an established neighborhood or a newer home in a more recent development there is a lot available under $650K.

Of you have not already figured out, the biggest driver of home pricing is relative quality of schools. Thus in a truly top notch area like Hinsdale or Winnetka that $650K is not going to go far at all -- many folks have torn down homes in that price range in those towns.

That said, there are a handful of homes that may be ideal for a childless couple -- you can put a little sweat equity into a place and/or plan for an addition if the place is older/smaller before you start on your family.

Neighboring Hinsdale is Clarendon Hills, they share district 181 for elementary and d86.Hinsdale Central for HS. There some slightly less expensive homes there that would definitely warrant consideration. You need to be sure you are in D181, as some of the areas are outside the district but still have CH address...

You smart to consider the town with the best schools that you can afford -- even if you don't take advantage of the schools the values are more stable

[sgresident]

with that price range, you should be able to find something in the areas that you want. there are a lot of nice areas along the metra route. it just depends on how long of a ride you want to have!

[emmi605]

Give us some more information. What type of activities do you enjoy? What is important to you? Where will you be working? What type or size of home would you like for your 500-650k? There are just so many great options out there for your price range, it may help to get more information from you.